How luxury spas are reopening their doors and enforcing safety for both clients and staff.
With the world still on the road to recovery amid the coronavirus pandemic, spas, like other businesses, have begun to reopen their doors to the public. Understandably, many are wondering “Is it safe and what can I expect?”
When envisioning a trip to the spa, most people think of relaxation. Fears induced by the reality of the ongoing pandemic, however, have forced the spa industry to upgrade and pivot their precautionary measures under new guidelines. With the top priority of health and safety, it is essential for the spa industry to practice the highest levels of sanitization and hygiene in order to keep staff and clients safe.
How spas are enforcing and ensuring safety, what to expect at your visit.
The unintended spread and presence of COVID-19 has raised the bar for cleanliness in the beauty and spa industry to an unprecedented level. Significant changes had to be made in order for clients and staff to return to the spa and feel at ease.
It is always a top priority of spas to not only remain immaculate and clean, but also to create a safe, relaxing, and comfortable environment for clients. This includes the need for significant investment and repurposing salons and spas for a new dawn in the age of COVID-19.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Photo by Alix Greenman on UnsplashAccording to the Ministry of Health, new safety and sanitation guidelines for spas include:
Reservation Procedures
- Booking appointments are staggered to ensure that no groups of people congregate in waiting rooms/areas.
- Sufficient time between appointments to facilitate enhanced cleaning measures.
- Booking appointments should be done online, not in person.
Spa Reception & Spa Boutique
- All spa employees are provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks, gloves, eyewear, and specialty in-space-only uniforms that are kept in the workplace.
- All clientele will be asked to wear masks (provided if needed.)
- Only the guest receiving a treatment should enter the building.
- Provide hand sanitizer to client upon arrival.
- Ensure all workstations and public spaces maintain social distancing guidelines.
- The entirety of the spa is sanitized after every treatment.
- Every 30 minutes – depending on traffic volume – clean and disinfect all door handles and high contact areas.
- Take one’s temperature upon arrival.
Locker rooms & lounges
- Lockers must be sanitized after each use by attendants.
- All attendants must wear proper PPE while cleaning locker rooms and removing used linen.
- Depending on the severity of the outbreak, steam rooms, saunas, inhalation. rooms, ice rooms, jacuzzis and indoor pools should not be available for guests. If these facilities are not available, it is recommended for spas to consider adjusting pricing.
- If these treatments are available, limit the number of guests allowed use at a time.
- All areas should contain a hand sanitation station and sanitization wipes.
- Space out furniture to comply with social distancing guidelines.
- Remove blankets, neck pillows and extra cushions from lounges and chairs.
- Food and beverages must be wrapped individually.
Treatment and treatment rooms
- Recommend to all guests to shower pre and post-treatment.
- Ensure treatments have 30 minutes in between each service to allow for room cleaning and sanitation.
- All linen in the treatment bed must be washed after each guest.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Photo by Alex Bertha on UnsplashCOVID-19 has upended our lives – from the way we live, work to how we socialize. Our new reality poses a unique challenge for all of us. Now, more than ever, practicing self-care is essential when it comes to our mental health and well-being.
If you are craving a massage, facial, or simply want to be pampered, the first step is choosing a safe spa. This can include checking the spa’s website page, reading reviews, and even calling the spa and asking specific questions. If you decide to venture out, check the regulations in your area, evaluate the risk to yourself and others, book an appointment, be patient, and wear a face mask!
5 luxury spas open around the world
Schloss Elmau, Germany
- This luxury resort with two hotels is surrounded by the Bavarian Alps in the Wettersteinwand mountain range.
- Subject to the regulations by the Bavarian Ministry of Health, Schloss Elmau resort requires guests to postpone visits if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus. Guests are required to practice social distancing, wear protective masks, and regularly wash their hands.
Socially distanced cabana at NIHI Sumba Island, Indonesia. FACEBOOK NIHINIHI Sumba Island, Indonesia
- NIHI Sumba is a luxury beach resort with 28 private villas set over 567 acres in Sumba, a remote island in Indonesia. This is an ideal destination for travelers seeking privacy and self-contained experiences.
- NIHI puts the safety of their guests and staff first, following WHO and Indonesian government health authorities’ guidelines. NIHI requires sanitation and cleaning throughout the day. All staff are required to wear personal protective equipment and masks are mandatory during the stay.
Borgo Egnazia, Italy
- Adjacent to San Domenico Gold, Borgo Egnazio overlooks the Adriatic Sea.
- Borgo Egnazio is committed to working daily on safety rules and protocols that not only meet the guidelines on hygiene and cleanliness, but also guarantee highest safety standards for staff and guests, including: staff being trained in accordance to WHO guidelines. Masks are required to wear in public spaces, gloves and sanitizing gel are available to all staff and guests. Social distancing is also required throughout the resort.
The Ranch Malibu, California
- The Ranch Malibu spans 200 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Enhanced health and safety precautions include: social distancing, guests and staff are required to wear masks, temperature is taken daily, and rigorous cleaning protocols.
Blue Lagoon Iceland Resort & Spa, Iceland opened back up for guests. FACEBOOK Blue Lagoon IcelandBlue Lagoon Iceland Resort & Spa, Iceland
- The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa in southwestern Iceland. The spa is located in a lava field and is supplied by water used in the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station
- Opening hours are limited but the spa encourages guests to book their visit in advance via their website. Social distancing and wearing masks throughout the resort and spa is required.
What to look for from spas in the future
The new norm in the age of coronavirus will be accompanied by some changes. Pre-COVID-19, you would expect to check in at the spa in person. Now this information is being collected online, another safety measure many spas are implementing
You may even notice fewer guests. Limiting the capacity of guests is great on the day of your visit but may cause some problems if you are looking for a last-minute appointment. This limited capacity is important, so spas have additional cleanup time in-between treatments to ensure safety and cleanliness
If, when you arrive at the spa, you see staff not wearing face masks, lack of hand sanitizer, or no signage about keeping you safe, you might want to rethink your stay. Most spas have expanded their rebooking policy – more flexible than before to accommodate during these times.
Should you decide to venture out and treat yourself, research and pick a spa that has you, other guests’ and staffs’ best interests and safety in mind.
